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18 million rail passengers will now be able to access free, fast internet at East Midlands Trains’ stations thanks to an investment programme delivered in partnership with WiFi provider The Cloud.

The move is the latest stage in the train operator’s plan to ensure passengers have access to wireless internet across its mainline route network, both on board trains and at stations. East Midlands Trains began introducing internet access on board its London trains three years ago.

The technology has now been installed at 18 stations, with an additional 11 stations planned by early Spring 2014. More than 18 million passenger journeys are made across the 18 stations each year and they will be able to use the free service throughout the concourses, platforms and other public areas within the stations. The new stations which are now equipped with free Wi-Fi are: Burton on Trent, Corby, East Midlands Parkway, Kidsgrove, Lincoln and Matlock.

Neil Micklethwaite, Customer Service & Commercial Director for East Midlands Trains, said: “We already provide WiFi on board our London trains and in our first class lounges at stations, which have proved very popular. To complement this, we are rolling out WiFi at a number of our stations, both large and small. This will further improve the experience of our passengers, giving them more options for entertainment or work when travelling with us.”

Vince Russell, Managing Director at The Cloud, explains: “The modern rail station is not simply a thoroughfare. Shops, cafes, bars and restaurants mean customers are spending longer at each location and, in an age where being online is such a core part of everyday life, it’s vital they have the best possible mobile data service while they’re there. People want internet access without the worry of patchy coverage or exceeding their data limits. Our service provides passengers with fast, free internet access allied with unique engaging content.”

The programme is part of the £10m investment in East Midlands Trains stations to offer improved facilities to passengers.